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Tonight on 'Closer Look': The latest chapter in the saga of a prolific Ontario fraudster who tricked hundreds of victims into investing in his elaborate Ponzi scheme.

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: On the hook for $26.91 million.

For a while, Charles DeBono lived the good life — funded by millions of dollars he bilked from hundreds of victims in an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Finally arrested in 2020 after hiding out in the Dominican Republic, the prolific fraudster was convicted and sentenced in a Barrie courtroom.

SEE: The fraudster, the ruse, the probe, the victims, and the payback

In a ruling released this month by the Parole Board of Canada, the 66-year-old has been ordered to "secure and maintain gainful employment" so he can start paying back his victims. If he doesn't, he could face a seven-year sentence.

Joining us tonight is BarrieToday reporter Kevin Lamb, who has been covering the latest developments.

SEE: Barrie fraudster must find employment, pay back millions: parole board

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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